Name: Jessica Dauphin
LMT Class: 2022
County: Davidson
Employment: President & CEO, Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee
“”Getting to know other leaders, what they do, and what makes them tick will definitely translate into great collaborations in the future.”
What was your favorite part of your Leadership Middle Tennessee experience?
The whole experience was my favorite part. I’m not sure it would have been the same if something was different or missing. The bonding between participants would be less than ideal if we didn’t ride the buses in each county with our buddy. And really, the experience was about forming a tighter bond with our fellow Middle Tennesseans. A strong region is built on strong relationships.
What regional issues interest or concern you most?
Sustainability is the most pressing concern for me. To be a region rooted in resilience and sustainability, we have to address issues of mobility and affordability. Mobility is critical to a thriving, sustainable, and resilient region. People must be able to access opportunities that enhance their quality of life. Otherwise the region could see an economic decline.
How do you define a leader?
A leader is someone others choose to follow in some way. The more I learn about leadership, the more I realize that true leaders are two things. First, they are authentic. Second, they are reliable–they show up. A leader is sumultaneously visionary and stakeholder. Someone who can see a path forward and works tirelessly to forge ahead.
What is your proudest career moment?
I am having my proudest moment right now. I am leading the Transit Alliance of Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit whose mission is vital to the long-term resilience and sustainability of our region and I am part of LMT. I foresee lots of hard, but rewarding work to attain both my personal and professional goals, but it will be worth it: “Suavius cum difficultate” (sweeter after difficulty). I hope my proudest moment will be realized in the near future.
What is your favorite quote?
“When someone shows you their character, believe them.” (Maya Angelou)
If you could eat lunch with one person (dead or alive) who would it be?
My grandmother is dying, and I would definitely have one last lunch with her. She is and will forever be my safe place. I really wouldn’t be who I am today without her strong example of work ethic, family first, and kindness.